The Kenyan Afropop ‘boy band’ (their words) – celebrating 21 years in existence – were pure joy at their vibrant London show…
Image: @sautisol
Sauti Sol’s triumphant concert in London was a reminder of just how diverse the musical offerings in England’s capital city can be – a veritable feast for any musical magpie.
Playing at the 02 just across the way from these Kenyan Afropop stars, were American rock band The Black Keys. But at Indigo2, the vibes were far more soothing – more ‘boy band’, as they joked themselves, at the same time reminding us that they were celebrating 21 years together. Not bad at all.
‘This is a bit much for us… this is a special night’, they began, before launching into some of the biggest hits from their back catalogue, their rich history and chemistry together as a group shining through.
Highlights included the gorgeous Midnight Train from their 2020 album of the same name, an afrobeat offering that explores their journey so far, and how they’ll keep rocking until Zion (guys, we believe you), and the uplifting Brighter Days, sung originally on the album with the Soweto Gospel Choir.
Another standout moment was hearing the sumptuous, sexy Melanin live – an ode to the African woman’s beauty which makes you want to get down and dirty at a Nairobi club the minute you hear it.
From 2019 offering Afrikan Sauce, a compilation of collaborative hits, this is the Sauti Sol album with perhaps the most crossover appeal to date (it features Tiwa Savage’s vocals on “Girl Next Door, and Burna Boy on the romantic Afrikan Star) – a reminder of just how versatile and forward-thinking these sharply dressed boys are.
Just looking around the venue as stunning three-part harmonies rain down, it’s clear this night is a vibe – everyone on their feet, dancing and singing out, the joy and energy in the room was palpable.
As evidenced by their vocal prowess, the former schoolfriends – who recently announced their induction into the prestigious Recording Academy – were originally an a cappella group before guitarist Polycarp Otieno joined the fray, and they renamed themselves Sauti Sol.
Sauti is Swahili for voice, while sol is Spanish for sun, so their name means Voices of light – and this group – founded in Nairobi circa 2005 by vocalists Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano and Savara Mudigi – most certainly brought the sun to an unseasonably sun-kissed June night in London.
As the boys promised when they came on stage, ‘We are here to celebrate with our heart and soul’. And boy, did we celebrate with them.
It’s just a shame, intimate and gorgeous as Indigo2 is, that these musical titans – who have put Kenyan music on the world map – weren’t performing next door at the O2 – because they certainly deserved to.
Check them out on Instagram at @sautisol.
